New U.S. administration gets to S. Caucasus, Georgian expert says

There will be no crucial changes after Hillary Clinton’s visit to the region, as it will probably be a fact-finding one, the Georgian expert Pata Zakareishvili told NEWS.am.

“One should not expect much from the visit, the new White House administration merely got down to our region. In the course of her meetings with the South Caucasian leaders, Hillary Clinton is likely to put emphasis on the U.S. policy in the South Caucasus. Besides, she will inform the presidents of the arrangements made in the course of Dmitry Medvedev’s visit to U.S.,” he stressed. The expert stated that on the whole the visit should be considered in the light of Russian-U.S. relations. Zakareishvili believes the U.S. is not trying to compete with Russia in the South Caucasus, as there is a certain arrangement between Moscow and Washington.

“There is definitely a specific range of issues to be discussed with each state: South Ossetia and Abkhazia with Georgia, the Karabakh conflict with Armenia and Azerbaijan. I think that in the light of recent developments on the contact line, Clinton will persuade Yerevan to put aside ‘offences’ and remain committed to its commendable position in the talks,” the Georgian expert said.

Pata Zakareishvili also commented on the possible deployment of U.S. forces in Azerbaijan in the light of recent escalation over Iran: “I do not think that this issue will be underscored during the meetings in Azerbaijan. First, Russia will be dissatisfied with the deployment of the U.S. troops in the region. The sides agreed to continue efficient cooperation during Medvedev’s visit. Secondly, Azerbaijan itself will object to it so as not to worsen its relations with Iran. Thirdly, the U.S. does not need it as well, as the American infrastructure in Turkey is sufficient to keep an eye on Iran,” Zakareishvili noted.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton plans to visit Armenia on June 4-5.